The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is facing strong criticism from multiple parties over its recent proposal to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) to keep electricity tariffs unchanged for the next six months.
Critics demand an explanation from authorities as to why the public is not benefiting from the surge in hydroelectric power generation, which has increased significantly due to heavy rainfall across the country.
Earlier this year, electricity tariffs were revised twice under a quarterly adjustment policy, with reductions of 21.9% in March and 22.5% in July. Although another revision was expected in October, it was delayed until December.
The PUCSL recently rejected a CEB proposal to reduce tariffs by 6% to 11%, arguing that current conditions warranted a more substantial reduction. The CEB’s latest suggestion, however, advocates for no rate reductions, claiming that any adjustment would be negligible, amounting to just 1.02%.
This stance has provoked widespread dissatisfaction, especially as hydroelectricity now accounts for 56% of production, thanks to replenished reservoir levels after recent rains.
The PUCSL has assured that it will announce its decision regarding the CEB’s proposal by the third week of January.
